Personal Statement
Hello, my name is Hanna Kelly and I am a J17 rower at Lady Eleanor Holles.
I currently take 4 levels: Biology, Maths, Psychology and Japanese, and have aspirations of achieving 4A*s as well as an A* in my EPQ. (extended project qualification.)
My 2k is currently 7:49.5 (12th March 2024), and 5k is 20.26.7 (26th November 2024). These are from the J16 season, but I am aiming for a 7:30 2k this spring and 20:10 5k in the coming season.
I row because it's more than a sport- it is this incredible mix of personal challenge and team unity. Every early morning on the water and at school is tough, (especially getting out of bed!) but the fact I always know that I’m never in it alone gives me a sense of community that I think any other sport can match. Training 20/21 hours a week is intense, but it has taught me so many skills like self-motivation, positivity and time management which is invaluable.
My dream is to compete at the GB U19 level, achieving the GB ergo cutoffs this year. I also want to earn a place in the 1st VIII and produce excellent results. Unfortunately, due to a lack of UK citizenship, I cannot officially participate in GB activities, but I am determined to train at the same level.
I believe my dedication, resilience, and self-awareness makes me a strong candidate for your team. Rowing has shaped my character by teaching me how to push through challenges, adapt to setbacks, and continuously strive for improvement both on and off the water. My commitment to balancing high academic achievement with the demands of elite-level training demonstrates my ability to manage and excel in a rigorous environment. Thank you for your consideration to be part of a collegiate level team in the US!
